Human Rights Task Force showing documentary

The Boundary County Human Rights Task Force will be showing the documentary, “Add the Words” on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Idaho law prohibits discrimination in employment, education, real estate transactions and public accommodations based on; race, sex, color, national origin, religion age (over 40), mental or physical disability.

In Idaho, it is not illegal to discriminate against a person for their sexual orientation or gender identity, which includes denying housing or employment. Human rights advocates in Idaho have been asking lawmakers to add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the state anti-discrimination law in order to ensure all people are protected against discrimination.

The documentary “Add the Words” is a compelling and well-told look at the fight for the LGBT community to be safe from discrimination in the state of Idaho, featuring interviews with those that fought, some for as long as eight years. The stories might be familiar, but they are no less heartbreaking.

From Dianne Piggott, the transgendered middle-aged woman who suffered discrimination in the workplace, to Madelyn Lee Taylor who served the Navy for many years (and won three medals) but was asked to leave because she was suspected of being gay, the stories of discrimination are sad, angering, but ultimately important.

The fight for Idaho to add the words “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to the state’s human rights law was one of the bitterest of the 2013-14 legislative session. It was the eighth session in which lawmakers ignored the issue, and what began as a few rallies at the Statehouse escalated to protesters blocking the entrance to the Idaho Senate chamber.

Idaho State Police made more than 100 arrests, and some demonstrators were arrested multiple times. With their hands covering their mouths, the demonstrators weren’t interested in being heard — their black “Add the 4 Words” shirts said it all — they just didn’t want to be invisible.

The public is invited to watch and join in discussion following the film.